RCMP in the Central Okanagan are appealing for witnesses after a crash claimed the life of a 24-year-old Vernon man on Thursday.

Police were called to the scene on Hwy 97, between the Pelmewash Parkway onramp and Crystal Waters Road, around 7:15 am.

Upon arrival, they found that a black 2015 Volkswagen Jetta that was involved in the collision had come to rest on the Okanagan Rail Trail.

Inside, the 24-year-old driver was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 21-year-old woman, also from Vernon, was a passenger in the vehicle and police found her nearby with minor injuries.

She’s since been treated at a local hospital and released.

“RCMP Central Okanagan Traffic Services have assumed conduct of this investigation and are seeking witnesses to this tragic event, said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. 

“Our investigators have reason to believe the vehicle was traveling northbound on Highway 97 sometime between 1 am and 2 am on Thursday, Oct. 24.”

The RCMP are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash cam footage of the incident to call 250-491-5354 and cite fil 2019-5516.

The name of the 24-year-old Vernon man will not be released.